smart Approved Fluids

[Old smart]

Here is the gist of smartUSA’s Parts Bulletin # - P008 concerning approved fluids, dated 18 SEP 08:

Engine Oil
Specification MB 229.5
Mobil 1 Formula M 5W-40 (diesel oil; not available at retail; M-B dealers only)
Mobil 1 0W-40 (likely the "SuperSyn European Car Formula" version; same as "regular" M1 in US)
Labo MB 229.5 5W-30 (Labo bought by Fuchs (Gr); unknown availability)
Total Quartz 229.5 5W-30 (mfg in France)
Elf Excellium 0W-30 (mfg in France; "Full-Tech"; same as "Total Quartz Energy 9000 in US")
Shell Helix Ultra AB 5W-30 (mfg in the UK)

Antifreeze/Coolant
Specification MB 325.0
Mobil Permazone Antifreeze/Coolant
Mobil Permazone 50/50 Prediluted
EURO Peak Coolant/Antifreeze, Old World Industries
Zerex G05, The Valvoline Company (M-B dealers)
Zerex G48, The Valvoline Company
Glysantin G05, BASF (mfg in Germany)

Transmission
Specification BOT328, 75W-90 API GL4
smart pn# A 001 989 51 03 10
Mobil Delvac Synthetic gear oil 75W-90
Mobil 1 Synthetic Gear Lube LS 75W-90

Brake Fluid
DOT 4 Plus
Local supply
MB stores use existing supply

Air Conditioning
R134a and a special PAG lubricant oil ("PAG means PolyAklylene Glycol, not "Penske Automotive Group")
Local supply (R134)
smart pn# A 001 989 08 03 (PAG oil)
Suniso 5GS refrigeration (PAG oil)

As I have reported elsewhere on SCOA, smartUSA is not prepared to recommend the fuel additives called for in the Owners Manual.

I cannot vouch that all of the above products are available (or readily available) to consumers in the U.S. scVAB continues to use bulk Castrol Syntec 5W-30 with Roger Penske’s permission. Still nothing directly from Mitsubishi.

[jwight]

Interesting info on Shell Helix Ultra oil:

Mr. David R. Grace
Covington & Burling
1201 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20044-7566

RE: Country of origin marking of Shell Helix Ultra 5W-30 Motor Oil from the United Kingdom

Dear Mr. Grace:

In your letter dated January 9, 2003, on behalf of the Shell International Petroleum Company Limited, you requested a country of origin marking ruling. Shell Helix Ultra 5W-30 Motor Oil is processed in the United Kingdom by blending synthetic hydrocarbon base oil (75%) from Malaysia and chemical additives from various European countries, including a performance additive (15%), a viscosity improver (0.6%), a pour point depressant (2.0%) and a synthetic ester (7.0%).

The marking statute, section 304, Tariff Act of 1930, as amended (19 U.S.C. 1304), provides that, unless excepted, every article of foreign origin (or its container) imported into the U.S. shall be marked in a conspicuous place as legibly, indelibly and permanently as the nature of the article (or its container) will permit, in such a manner as to indicate to the ultimate purchaser in the U.S. the English name of the country of origin of the article. Part 134, Customs Regulations (19 CFR Part 134) implements the country of origin marking requirements and exceptions of 19 U.S.C. 1304.

Section 134.1(b) of the Customs Regulations defines “country of origin” as the country of manufacture, production or growth of any foreign article of foreign origin entering the U.S. Further work or material added to an article in another country must effect a substantial transformation in order to render such other country the “country of origin” within the meaning of Part 134. A substantial transformation is said to have occurred when an article emerges from a manufacturing process with a name, character, or use which differs from the original material subjected to the process. Torrington Co. v. United States, 764 F.2d 1563, 1568 (Fed. Cir. 1985), citing Texas Instruments, Inc. v. United States, 631 F.2d 778, 782 (C.C.P.A. 1982).

In the United Kingdom base oil from Malaysia is processed by blending into a premium motor oil meeting the performance standards of American Petroleum Institute (API), European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA) and of various original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). The performance additive primarily consists of detergents, dispersants and antiwear additives designed to keep engine parts clean, minimize wear of engine parts and minimize degradation of the base oil at high temperatures. The viscosity improver ensures that the engine oil remains fluid at low temperatures and retains sufficient lubricating capacity at high temperatures. The pour point depressant is a lubricating oil additive that increases the flow point of the base oil. The synthetic ester improves the solubility of the performance additive in the base oil.

Based upon the information provided, base oil from Malaysia, which is primarily sold and traded in bulk to manufacturers/blenders of finished lubricants, is blended in the United Kingdom with chemical additives from various European countries and undergoes a substantial transformation into a high performance motor oil, with a name, character and use which differs from the original material subjected to the process. Accordingly, pursuant to the country of origin marking requirements set forth in 19 U.S.C. §1304 and 19 C.F.R. Part 134, the bulk containers for truck fleets, garages, etc. and small packs for consumers must be marked to indicate the “United Kingdom” as the country of origin.

This ruling is being issued under the provisions of Part 177 of the Customs Regulations (19 C.F.R. 177).

A copy of the ruling or the control number indicated above should be provided with the entry documents filed at time this merchandise is imported. If you have any questions regarding the ruling, contact National Import Specialist Frank Cantone at 646-733-3038.

Sincerely,

Robert B. Swierupski
Director,

www.faqs.org/rulings/rulings2003NYJ80027.htm

Not exactly sure what "synthetic hydrocarbon" is but the oil meets M-B specs so it must be OK.

[Padawan]

Thanks!

Just for clarification, are the fluids listed under each specification provided directly by smart, or are these simply fluids that you have researched which meet the spec for each category?

[Old smart]

Originally Posted by Padawan

Thanks!

Just for clarification, are the fluids listed under each specification provided directly by smart, or are these simply fluids that you have researched which meet the spec for each category?

This is the complete list contained on smart Parts Bulletin # - P008. I don't know why 3 of the 6 engine oils are non-U.S. brands unless they all are being supplied out of Europe to smartUSA by smart GmbH as "parts."

I think the list is for dealer use only - there are 22 oils on the latest M-B Sheet 229.5 that I have (2006). The Mobil 1 Formula M is not on 229.5, rather 229.51 (2007, for diesels). I'm guessing that is being supplied to M-B dealers to support the new BluTec cars.

What I call "forensic reading" (balancing the written word and context and some homework) says "We smart centers are the only place where you can get the 'approved' (foreign) fluids, thus if you DIY, you run the risk of warranty denial. Do your servicing here!" Only the brake and A/C fluids are noted as available at local supply.

Personally I don't get much confidence out of M-B's constant protheletizing of 229.5 and keeping us insulated from Mitsu's own info.